British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Hit With Class Action In New York Alleging "Price Fixing": Defense of Class Actions

Dominic O’Connell and Dominic Rushe of The Sunday Times reported today that a putative class action has been filed in New York against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic alleging a price-fixing conspiracy. The lawsuit reportedly was filed June 23 by Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, and alleges that “[British Airways and Virgin Atlantic] implemented their agreement by exchanging information in secret . . . communications.”

The article states that British Airways revealed last week that the Office of Fair Trading and the American Department of Justice was investigating charges of price-fixing related to fuel surcharges on long-haul flights, and reports that BA placed two senior executives on leave during the investigation. O’Connell’s and Rushe’s article, “BA and Virgin hit by US class-action suit over ‘price fixing’,” may be found in the June 25, 2006, edition of The Sunday Times.

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About the Author

Michael J. Hassen

Michael J. Hassen's litigation practice spans almost 30 years and emphasizes general business and commercial litigation, including class action defense and unfair business practice representative actions (section 17200).

He represents lenders in all facets of lender litigation, ranging from class actions and unfair business practices based on alleged "predatory" lending and RESPA violations or alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, to claims alleging elder abuse or challenging the validity or priority of liens.

Michael also has significant experience in business torts such as misappropriation of trade secrets and raiding of corporate employees, ADA claims, and all phases of commercial and real estate finance, construction finance and construction defect claims.

He is experienced in appellate matters, having had primary responsibility for preparing more than 100 appellate briefs.